Our sailboat delivery adventure from Juneau, Alaska, USA, to Quadra Island, British Columbia, Canada was an unforgettable experience filled with excitement and numerous natural wonders. We had flown from Guatemala to Juneau, Alaska, with overnight stops in Houston, Texas, and Seattle, Washington, all in just a few days, and were thrilled to be embarking on this epic sailing journey. The two of us, along with a group of friends and family, had an amazing cruise of the Inside Passage aboard a Holland America cruise ship over 20 years ago, and were excited since this time it would be via sailboat. The weather was much more brisk than the warmer climates of Central America, but we donned our winter clothes that we had purchased at a second-hand shop in Guatemala and were ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
From the moment we set sail, we knew we were in for an amazing adventure. The pristine waters of the Inside Passage welcomed us as we embarked on our journey. It all began by jumping aboard an Islander 44 in the municipal marina in Juneau, Alaska. At night, we slept under four thick blankets and wore ski caps, since the water temperatures reached a bone-chilling 50°F/10C.
As we cruised through the majestic fjords and narrow channels, we were greeted by an abundance of wildlife. Numerous humpback whales gracefully breached the surface with their tails waving goodbye as they disappeared into the depths. Pods of orcas swam alongside the sailboat with their sleek black and white bodies, leaving us in awe of their beauty and power. Porpoises danced off the bow, performing with keen precision through the water. Bald eagles soared overhead with their piercing eyes always scanning the water for their next meal. A variety of bears roamed the shores that reminded us of the untamed wilderness we were fortunate enough to explore. Coupled with bright sunny days and crisp, clear nights, it made for a brilliant trip of a lifetime.
Our days were filled with incredible sailing, with heaps of adventures and discoveries. We delighted in visiting hot springs, immersing ourselves in the warm, soothing waters as we marveled at the surrounding rugged landscapes thickly studded with pine trees. There were so many vast forests of pine trees; we nicknamed our journey “Our Journey through Christmas Tree Land”. We embarked on exhilarating hikes, which included encounters with bears, sea otters, sea lions, and other beautiful wildlife.
Whilst navigating through lush forests, we were rewarded with breathtaking views at every turn, along with clusters of stunning flowers and majestic waterfalls. We found solace in the serenity of walking along the numerous vacant and vast sandy shore beaches, collecting seashells and flotsam, followed by sundowners in the glow of the sunsets that painted the sky in hues of orange and pink.
